Breaking down on the side of the road can be stressful and dangerous. Knowing what to do first can keep you safe and help you get back on the road quickly.
Immediate Safety Steps
When your vehicle breaks down:
- Stay calm: Panic can lead to poor decisions. Take a deep breath and assess the situation
- Get to safety: If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area away from traffic
- Turn on hazard lights: This alerts other drivers to your situation
- Stay in your vehicle: If you're on a busy road, it's often safer to stay inside with doors locked
- Call for help: Contact Midrand Spares at 082 445 4018 for 24/7 emergency towing
Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire:
- Pull over to a safe, level location
- Engage your parking brake
- Place wheel chocks or blocks behind wheels if available
- If you're comfortable changing it yourself, follow your vehicle's manual
- If not, call for professional assistance
Engine Overheating
If your temperature gauge shows overheating:
- Turn off the air conditioning
- Turn on the heater to help dissipate engine heat
- Pull over and turn off the engine immediately
- Do NOT open the radiator cap while hot - wait for the engine to cool
- Call for assistance - driving an overheating vehicle can cause severe engine damage
Battery Failure
If your battery dies:
- If you have jumper cables and another vehicle, you can attempt a jump start
- Ensure both vehicles are off before connecting cables
- Connect positive to positive, negative to negative (or ground)
- Start the working vehicle first, then attempt to start yours
- If jump starting doesn't work, the battery likely needs replacement
Running Out of Fuel
If you run out of fuel:
- Pull over safely
- Call for roadside assistance - we can bring fuel to your location
- Never accept fuel from strangers
- Keep your vehicle locked while waiting
What to Have in Your Vehicle
Prepare an emergency kit with:
- Reflective warning triangles or flares
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Basic tool kit
- Spare tire (checked regularly)
- Emergency contact numbers
When to Call Professional Help
Always call for professional assistance if:
- You're in an unsafe location
- You're unsure how to fix the problem
- The problem could cause further damage if driven
- You don't have the necessary tools or knowledge
Midrand Spares provides 24/7 emergency towing and roadside assistance across Greater Gauteng. Keep our number handy: 082 445 4018. We're here to help when you need us most.